August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! Keeping up with your kitty’s veterinary care needs is very important! Of course, Fluffy would rather take yet another nap than come see us. Cats often get very uneasy when they are taken out of their domains. They generally aren’t very enthusiastic about car rides, either. Read on as a local Marietta, GA vet discusses taking your feline pal to the doctor … or anywhere else, for that matter.
Safety
Always keep your feline buddy in a carrier for travel. Letting your kitty roam in the car can be very dangerous! Fluffy may get under your feet, climb into your lap, or jump onto your shoulder. She could also step on power-window controls.
Make The Carrier Inviting
If Fluffy never sees her carrier except when she’s about to go on a car ride, she may get nervous as soon as she spots it. Keep the carrier out between visits, and put comfy bedding and toys in it. It will also help to play with your feline friend near her carrier, and give her catnip and treats near it.
Radio
Keep a radio playing in the car. This may help soothe your furry friend. If nothing else, she’ll have something to meow along to.
Airflow
Keep the air conditioner on (unless it’s cold out, of course) and roll the windows partway down. Fresh air can help keep your kitty from getting carsick. Speaking of carsickness, if Fluffy gets nauseous on car rides, don’t feed her just before you leave.
Cat-Calming Products
While some of our feline patients don’t mind car rides, the majority of them are absolutely terrified in moving vehicles. Ask your vet about using cat-calming products, such as collars and sprays.
Driving
Try to make the drive as smooth as you can for your cute pet. Avoid roads with a lot of bumps and/or potholes. Also, try not to stop or start too suddenly.
Purr Reactivation
When you get your furry buddy home again, offer her a special treat or a new toy. Fluffy won’t mind some extra cuddles or ear scritches, either. You’ll have that motor started back up in no time!
Is your cat due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please call us, your local Marietta, GA vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs.
